This plan was followed and a soldier directed them to the fort. They were just about to enter it and trust to luck, when their attention was attracted by the sound of a scuffle a short distance down the street. "Let's see what it is about," said Jack. "It may help us in some way." Lord Hastings nodded his assent, and they dashed toward a struggling knot of men only a few yards away. CHAPTER XIV. THE ESCAPE. When Frank reached shore after being taken from the German cruiser, he was received courteously by the officer in command of Fort Kaiserin--one of the German fortifications along the Kiel canal. The latter questioned him at length regarding the D-16, and the lad gave what information he believed could be of no value to the enemy. At first it was announced that the lad would be taken to Berlin that day, but later as the reader has already learned this was deferred till the next. "If you will give me your parole," said the German commander, "I shall be glad to allow you the freedom of the fort." "I appreciate your kindness," replied Frank, "and I am sorry that I do not feel myself at liberty to accept." The officer shrugged his shoulders. "There is little danger of your getting away," he said. "However, I find it my duty, in view of your refusal, to order you confined." Frank bowed but said nothing. Half an hour later he was conducted to a cell at the end of the fort nearest the outer wall. Here he sat all day, being well treated and well fed, but allowed no liberty. "By George!" said Frank to himself right after noon, "I have a notion to try to get out of here. I don't know whether I can get away or not, but I believe I shall take a chance at it. I don't want to be cooped up in Berlin for the next few years if I can help it." Accordingly he mapped out a plan, which he decided to put into execution when the jailer brought his evening meal. The afternoon passed slowly, but at length the time to act came. A key grated in the cell door and the jailer entered, carrying a tray of food. "How is the weather outside?" asked Frank. The jailer was a jovial sort. "Fine," he replied. "Too bad you cannot be out to enjoy it." "It is too bad," Frank agreed. "Well, what do I get for supper?" and he bent over as though to examine the tray. "Soup----" began the jailer, but he said no more. Straightening up suddenly, Frank caught the man by the throat with a vise-like grip, while he clapped his other hand over his mouth, stifling an outcry. Then, suddenly, he drew back his right fist, and before the German could free himself, struck him full on the point of the jaw. The German toppled over like a log. Frank picked him up gently and laid him on the bed, where he gagged him with his handkerchief. "Now to get out," he said.